### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gôwzâl**, represented by `{{H1469}}`, refers to a **nestling** or a **young** bird. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root suggesting being "nude of feathers," the term evokes an image of youth, vulnerability, and dependence. It is used specifically to mean a **young pigeon**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1469}}` appears in two distinct contexts. In Genesis, it is part of a list of animals for a solemn covenant ceremony where God commands Abraham to "**Take** me an heifer... and a turtledove, and a **young pigeon**" [[Genesis 15:9]]. In Deuteronomy, the word illustrates God's tender and protective care for Israel, comparing it to an eagle that "stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her **young**, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings" [[Deuteronomy 32:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the role of a nestling:
* `{{H7064}}` **qên** (nest): This word for a **nest**, chamber, or dwelling is used directly with `gôwzâl` to describe the home the parent eagle "stirreth up" [[Deuteronomy 32:11]]. It signifies a place of security and origin from which the young must be spurred to growth.
* `{{H5404}}` **nesher** (eagle): The parent bird in the metaphor of God's care. As the **eagle** cares for its young `{{H1469}}`, so God cares for His people [[Deuteronomy 32:11]]. It represents strength and protective oversight.
* `{{H7363}}` **râchaph** (flutter, move): Describes the action of the eagle over its young. The verb means to **brood** or **flutter** and is used to depict God's hovering, protective presence, both over His people as nestlings [[Deuteronomy 32:11]] and over the waters at creation [[Genesis 1:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1469}}` is seen in its symbolic usage:
* **Covenant Sacrifice:** As a "young pigeon," the `gôwzâl` is designated as a pure and acceptable offering to seal God's covenant with Abraham, representing a young and vulnerable life consecrated to God [[Genesis 15:9]].
* **Divine Nurturing:** The imagery in [[Deuteronomy 32:11]] powerfully portrays God's relationship with His people. He is the parent eagle who cares for the vulnerable **young** `{{H1469}}`, stirring the **nest** `{{H7064}}` to encourage flight and maturity.
* **Helpless Dependence:** A **nestling** is completely dependent on its parent for survival. The term illustrates Israel's absolute reliance on God, who "taketh them" and bears them on His wings, demonstrating His strength upholding their weakness [[Deuteronomy 32:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **gôwzâl** `{{H1469}}` is more than a simple term for a young bird. It is a powerful symbol of vulnerability and dependence. Its two appearances in Scripture use this imagery to define the nature of a covenantal offering and, most vividly, to illustrate God's tender, protective, and strengthening care for His people.
TRV